Textured/polished respiratory mask seal and mask

Abstract

A seal for a respiratory mask that includes a first end portion adapted to be coupled to a mask shell, a second end portion for sealing engagement with a face of a patient, and a sidewall extending between the first end portion and the second end portion. At least a portion of the second end portion includes a textured area having a predetermined pattern. The area of increased surface roughness provides the patient contacting portion of the seal with a silky feeling to maximize patient comfort and the effectiveness of the seal without impairing the sealing ability.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A respiratory mask comprising:
 (a) a shell; 
 (b) a seal adapted to be coupled to the shell; 
 (c) a forehead support operatively coupled to the shell; and 
 (d) a patient contacting forehead pad operatively coupled to the shell, wherein at least a portion of the forehead pad includes an rms surface roughness greater than 10 micrometers. 
 
     
     
       2. The respiratory mask of  claim 1 , wherein the forehead pad includes a non-textured area having an rms surface roughness of 10 micrometers or less. 
     
     
       3. The respiratory mask of  claim 1 , wherein an entire user-contacting surface of the forehead pad has an rms surface roughness greater than 10 micrometers.